SARS Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) : South African Revenue Service

Organisation : South African Revenue Service (SARS)
Facility Name : Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
Applicable State/UT : South Africa
Website : https://www.sars.gov.za/customs-and-excise/registration-licensing-and-accreditation/electronic-data-interchange-edi/

What is Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)?

EDI, or electronic data interchange, is essentially a “paperless” trading system. It involves the electronic transfer of data, by established message standards, from one computer application to another. Growth in world trade means businesses are increasingly developing better ways of managing the movement of raw materials, stock and finished goods.

Related / Similar Facility : SARS Lodge Complaint Online

Benefits of EDI

** It is a fully automated process that needs little or no intervention by either party
** Declarations can be accepted round-the-clock
** Quicker retrieval of cargo through the reduction of clearance times
** A reduction in manual administrative processes resulting in fewer errors and no duplication
** Harmonised business relationships with other bodies such as Transnet Port Terminals, Transnet Rail Terminals, airlines and container depots.

How Does EDI Registration Work?

SARS is legally mandated to enforce electronic communication. The following client types are required to register as an Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) user in terms of Section 101A to submit reports and declarations electronically to Customs.

The following client types are required to register with Customs to submit reports electronically via the Manifest Processing System (MPR):
** Airport authority;
** Carriers;
** Courier;
** Operators of: Groupage, Container Terminal, Wharf, Container and Degrouping Depot, Transit Shed;
** Railway authority; and
** Road Haulier.

The following client types are required to register with Custom to submit declaration electronically to Customs:
** Importer and / Exporter; and
** Accredited and non-accredited agents.

If you are a first-time EDI applicant or if you are an existing EDI client who wishes to use the Internet to transfer data, read the following document: PKI application procedure – Client.

Which forms are required to register as an EDI user?

Before completing any forms, you need to contact a service provider to obtain the necessary software. Once that is completed, the following application forms need to be filled in.

** DA 185 – Application form – Registration and licensing of Customs and Excise Clients – External Form
** DA 185.4A6 – Registration Client Type 4A6 – Electronic user – External Form
** Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) User Agreement

EDI applicants using an Internet sender address must present themselves with their ID book, application forms and relevant supporting documents to the nearest Customs Office or SARS Head Office to:

The EDI Business Administrator (Emelia Holtzhausen / Annamarie de la Rey):
Head Office
299 Bronkhorst Street
Lehae La SARS
Nieuw Muckleneuk
Brooklyn
Pretoria
0181

Emelia Holtzhausen
Cell: +27 83 555 3506

Annamarie de la Rey
Cell: +27 71 673 6072

Turn Around Time

The turnaround time for EDI registrations is approximately seven (7) working days.